Addressing Environmental Impacts in Healthcare

With the impacts of climate change becoming more apparent than ever, it is time to examine the leading causes of the worsening state of our planet. Not only will addressing these sources of environmental decay create a safer world, but it will also lead to better health outcomes for its inhabitants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that environmental hazards, including air pollution, chemical exposures, and extreme weather changes, can lead to various illnesses such as chronic diseases like cancer and asthma, as well as acute symptoms such as heat exhaustion. Resolving these issues will lead to improved lifestyles and increased life expectancy.

Surprisingly, researchers at Yale University and Northeastern University have found that hospital buildings are ranked second in energy consumption among all commercial buildings. The harmful health effects caused by the facilities that treat and care for illnesses are ironic, to say the least. It is crucial for the healthcare industry to adopt safer and greener methods of care to improve community health. The following are major areas where sustainable practices within hospital systems can be improved.

Waste Management

Recycling vs. Waste Bins

Several state laws require the recycling of certain items in businesses. For instance, Wisconsin mandates the recycling of paper, glass, cardboard, plastic, metals, and electronics. A significant issue affecting sustainable practices in hospital settings is the improper disposal of recyclable items in waste containers and vice versa. For safe practice through infection control, it is crucial for medical waste to be stored in waste containers while recyclable items are placed in recycling containers. Julie Henry, a contributing editor of Healthcare Dive, emphasizes the importance of developing a formal waste management plan that every employee is aware of, using appropriate signage and possible color codes (e.g., green for recycling and red for waste) to differentiate recycling bins from waste bins, and using recyclable products over single-use items whenever possible.

Food Management

Most hospitals and clinics in the United States have a cafeteria or break room that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for long stays in the hospital. The extensive food offerings and long hours of availability lead to considerable food waste. A study in 2022 identifies four common solutions to this issue: flexible portion sizes, selective menus, additional nutritional support, and order and delivery systems. Smaller portion sizes and selective menus can decrease the amount of food produced and reduce waste. Additionally, an ordering system where meals are created based on request rather than buffet style can help decrease excess food preparation. Finally, sourcing items from local Farmer’s Markets can decrease transport costs and provide healthier and fresher items for visitors and employees.

Energy Source

The transition from fossil fuels to solar panels has gained traction in the healthcare industry worldwide. In 2021, Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire became the first hospital in the United Kingdom to run solely on renewable energy. EcoClub, an NGO based in Ukraine, has launched a fundraiser to provide solar energy for health facilities throughout the country, with their first project completed in Zhytomyr Oblast. The switch to solar energy offers several benefits to healthcare organizations, including better access to health technology in areas with inconsistent electricity, extended hours of energy (crucial for supplies that need refrigeration and IT systems), and sustainable practices that avoid pollution and environmental damage.

Use of Technology

Decreasing the requirement for patient transport will help reduce pollution. Not all patients can travel via public transport, especially those with mobility issues or those living far from their physician. The advancement of telemedicine has been vital in reducing the stress, energy, and pollution associated with patient travel. Video calls during consultations, pre-operative visits, and post-operative visits significantly decrease the need for commuting. Additionally, the shift from paper to digital documentation has revolutionized the amount of paper used and discarded. Through Electronic Health Records (EHRs), all information is stored in a HIPAA-compliant system that can be accessed with a few clicks, saving time and contributing to sustainability.

References

– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, January 3). Introduction to Environmental Public Health Tracking. Retrieved from [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/tracking-intro.html#:~:text=Environmental%20hazards%E2%80%94like%20water%20and,acute%20illnesses%20like%20heat%20exhaustion).
– PA Consulting. How Can Hospitals Become More Sustainable? Retrieved from [PA Consulting](https://www.paconsulting.com/insights/how-can-hospitals-become-more-sustainable/)
– Wisconsin DNR. Reducing Healthcare Waste. Retrieved from [Wisconsin DNR](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/HealthWaste/Reduce.html)
– Henry, J. (2016, July 12). 9 Ways to Cut Down on Medical Waste. Retrieved from [Healthcare Dive](https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/9-ways-to-cut-down-on-medical-waste/422468/)
– Antasouras G, Vasios GK, Kontogiorgis C, Ioannou Z, Poulios E, Deligiannidou GE, Troumbis AY, Giaginis C. (2023). How to Improve Food Waste Management in Hospitals. Int J Health Plann Manage. 38(2):296-316. doi: 10.1002/hpm.3586.
– ChamberUK. (2022, May 11). The UK’s First Hospital to be Completely Powered by Solar Energy. Retrieved from [ChamberUK](https://chamberuk.com/the-uks-first-hospital-to-be-completely-powered-by-solar-energy/)
– du Besse’, A. (2023, January 2). Solar Energy for Ukraine Hospitals: NGO Launches Fundraiser. Retrieved from [Impakter](https://impakter.com/solar-energy-for-ukraine-hospitals-ngo-launches-fundraiser/)
– United Nations. Solar for Health: Five Ways Solar Power Can Make Universal Healthcare a Reality. Retrieved from [United Nations](https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/solar-health-five-ways-solar-power-can-make-universal-healthcare-reality)